I grappled with sharing with all three of them at once because of the age difference. However, I now believe it was the best thing to do. My youngest son could not have understood all the technical aspects, but he did understand that he was hearing it from his dad. He knew he could trust me; just as I had to trust my father in heaven to guide me with the lives of my children.

I expected to be ashamed by my lack of strength while being surrounded by ripped bros high-fiving each other after lifting small vehicles. I was wrong about my shame and the bros. And through learning how wrong I was, I also learned some valuable truths applicable to the church.

In the same way that I walked away from people who would have been a negative influence in my life, I had to shake loose the comfort of my Christianity. Christianity is not meant to be comfortable. When you fervently embrace your relationship with Christ, your biggest detractors might possibly end up being your church members. Your fire will threaten their comfortable Jesus.